Syracuse football recruiting: New Jersey DE Kenny Carter verbally commits to Orange

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Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse picked up its third verbal commitment in 24 hours and second defensive end from New Jersey on Friday night when Plainfield (N.J.) High School senior Kenny Carter verbally committed to Syracuse, Plainfield head coach Jason Glezman said in a text message. Mike McAllister of CuseNation.com first reported the news.

Carter took an official visit to SU last weekend that Glezman detailed earlier this week. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound lineman did not have any other commitable offers at the time, but was receiving interest from Central Florida, Glezman said. He recorded 47 tackles, including 21 for loss, six sacks and four forced fumbles in his junior and senior seasons combined, Glezman said.

However, this was his first year lifting weights regularly and Glezman believes Carter can add 20-to-30 pounds to his frame and play either defensive line position.

"He's had a size 18 foot since he was in eight grade," Glezman said previously. "He hasn't even touched the potential for what his body and his physical maturity can be."

Carter becomes the 26th member of Syracuse's Class of 2015 and the fifth defensive end, joining Pickard, Qaadir Sheppard, Amir Ealey and Dana Levine. Brandon Ginnetti deferred his enrollment to 2016 due to a foot injury.

Carter is also the fifth New Jersey product pledged to the Orange, along with Pickard, running back Dontae Strickland, cornerback Daivon Ellison and preferred walk-on linebacker Kyle Kleinberg. Syracuse wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Bobby Acosta was the primary recruiter for all five targets as the Orange has ramped up its efforts in New Jersey this cycle.

Carter's verbal commitment is non-binding until he signs a national letter of intent on Feb. 4.